Constipation in the period of limited isolation during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 outbreak has become widespread globally and caused a new global chaos. This outbreak that completely affected the lifestyle of individuals resulted in periods of isolation. Here, we evaluated the effects of lifestyle changes with isolation on constipation. METHODS: A survey on constipation was performed during the 12-week isolation period starting in March 2020 in Turkey. Data of 390 individuals who participated in the survey through the social media and who were actively employed prior to isolation were analyzed. Rome IV criteria were used to evaluate constipation. RESULTS: Among the participants in the study, 253 (64.9%) were women with the mean age of 39.5±9.5 years. A statistically significant association was found between the decreased water consumption during the isolation period and constipation after the isolation (p=0.020; p<0.05). A significant association was found between the changes in physical activity and constipation after the isolation (p=0.013; p<0.05). New development of constipation during the isolation or declaration of increased constipation was found to be statistically associated with post-isolation constipation according to Rome criteria (p=0.000; p<0.05). CONCLUSION:The data of this present study demonstrated that isolation period was effective on the newly developed constipation. Decreased physical activity and water consumption are also effective on constipation.

Incidence of Intestinal Constipation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period in Medical Students from a Private Institution in São Paulo, SP

“…Kayaoglu et al 31 revealed a decrease in CIC prevalence after social isolation of 15.1 to 1.3% in the general population. Remes-Troche et al, 32 on the other hand, evidenced in 1.110 volunteers the appearance of complains related to constipation in 25% after 4 weeks of social isolation.…”

An empowerment-based, healthy dietary behavioral intervention to ameliorate functional constipation

“…In addition, the survey on the social and psychological balance dimensions showed that patients with functional constipation rarely share personal problems or concerns with others nor discuss constipation with their families. Some investigations have shown that psychological stress and social disorder easily cause constipation ( 25 , 26 ) and anxiety tends to have a negative impact on their daily life ( 27 ). However, patients in the control group diagnosed with functional constipation were managed by their responsible nurse and doctor, their specific treatment measures were dominated by medical personnel.…”

Incidence of constipation and associated factors in the period of lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Constipation is a common clinical condition in gastroenterological practice, estimated to affect up to 16% of the world’s population 1. It is characterised by infrequent and/or difficult bowel emptying, excessive straining, reduced bowel movements or a feeling of incomplete voiding, often accompanied by straining or a sensation of incomplete bowel movements 1 2. The occurrence of constipation is complex and multifactorial 3.…”